This week Pastor Deric continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “Woe to the Unrepentant” focussing on Matthew 11:20-30
Matthew 11:20-30
Ice Breaker: What household chore do you dislike doing the most?
"I learn from the Scriptures that repentance is just as necessary to salvation as faith is, and the faith that has not repentance going with it will have to be repented of." - Charles Spurgeon
- Jun 10, 2018Woe to the UnrepentantJun 10, 2018Woe to the UnrepentantBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Deric continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “Woe to the Unrepentant” focussing on Matthew 11:20-30
Questions
Matthew 11:20-30Ice Breaker: What household chore do you dislike doing the most?
1. What is the immediate context of this passage? (see vv.1-19)2. What is the significance of Jesus pronouncing a “woe” upon these cities?3. Why does Jesus reference Tyre and Sidon along with Sodom and Gomorrah?4. Why do you think indifference towards God’s call to repent is so particularly condemnable?5. How can someone discern if they’re being indifferent towards God’s call to repentance?6. If someone recommits a sin which they’ve repented of, does that mean they didn’t truly repent?7. What steps do you need to take to ensure you are not apathetic towards God’s call for genuine repentance?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"I learn from the Scriptures that repentance is just as necessary to salvation as faith is, and the faith that has not repentance going with it will have to be repented of." - Charles Spurgeon
- May 27, 2018The Gospel According to IsaiahMay 27, 2018The Gospel According to IsaiahBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Deric continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “The Gospel According to Isaiah” focussing on Isaiah 55:1-13
QuestionsIsaiah 55:1-13Ice Breaker: Do you have any hidden talents?
1. What is the significance of “buying without money” (v.1)? Where is this concept also found in the New Testament?2. What does it mean in v.5 to “seek the Lord while he may be found”?3. Read verses 8-9. In what way is this connected to the preceding verses?4. If a Christian is already saved, why is ongoing repentance necessary?5. Discuss the truth of the following statement: repentance is not a work of man, it is a work of God. What implications might this have?6. Share an example from your own life of repenting and experiencing the compassion and restoration of God.7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?
"You cannot repent too soon, because you do not know how soon it may be too late." - Thomas Fuller
- May 20, 2018Grace Filled LogicMay 20, 2018Grace Filled LogicBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Deric continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “Grace Filled Logic” focussing on Isaiah 1:1-20
QuestionsIsaiah 1:1-20Ice Breaker: If you could change one thing about your looks, what would it be?1. Read Isaiah 1:11-15. What is the value of religious observance without repentance to God? Where is this mirrored in the book of Amos?2. What modern forms of religious observance might also be unacceptable to God in the absence of a repentant heart?3. What was Israel told to do in Isaiah 1 in order to “make themselves clean”, and be reconciled to God?4. Read Psalm 32. Which verse do you identify most with today? Why?5. What encourages us toward repentance?6. What can you do to help encourage other people in your life towards repentance?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“Repentance means you change your mind so deeply that it changes you.” - Bruce Wilkinson
- May 13, 2018King David’s ‘180’May 13, 2018King David’s ‘180’By: Deric BartlettSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Deric continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “King David’s ‘180’” focussing on Psalm 51
QuestionsPsalm 51Ice Breaker: What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
1. In Psalm 51, what characterizes the heart of a truly repentant person?2. Read Psalm 32. Describe David’s experience before and after repenting of his sin.3. Find three examples from the Old Testament of God promising to forgive those who turn from their sin.4. Read Zechariah 7:8-14. What is the outcome for those who refuse to repent? Find another illustration of this from the New Testament.5. Read Luke 19:1-10. How do we know that Zacchaeus had truly repented of his sin?6. Like Zacchaeus, what actions do you need to take to make things right with someone in your life?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?
"The Christian who has stopped repenting has stopped growing." - A. W. Pink
- Apr 29, 2018The Steps to RepentanceApr 29, 2018The Steps to RepentanceBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Deric continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “The Steps to Repentance” focussing on 2 Chronicles 7:14
Questions2 Chronicles 7:11-16Ice Breaker: What outdoor activities do you like to do?1. On what occasion is God speaking to Solomon in verse 14, and why is this significant?2. What does God promise to do in verse 14 when his people repent? .3. Find 3 examples from the Old Testament of God forgiving Israel when they repented as a nation.4. What is humility and why is it necessary for repentance? How does a lack of humility hinder repentance?5. Read Revelation 3:19. What quality does Jesus pair with repentance? Where else is it mentioned in the New Testament?6. How would you define this quality? Think of three antonyms to contrast your answer.7. What can you do to cultivate this quality more in your own life?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"Repentance is more than just sorrow for the past; repentance is a change of mind and heart, a new life of denying self and serving the Saviour as king in self's place." - J.I. Packer
- Apr 22, 2018Dust and AshesApr 22, 2018Dust and AshesBy: Max OatesSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Max continues our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “Dust and Ashes”
Questions:Job 42:1-6Ice Breaker: What do you think the greatest invention is in your lifetime?
1. What does it mean to “hide counsel without knowledge”? (v.3)2. What was it that Job repented of? (v.6)3. What was the foundation of Job’s humility and repentance before God?4. Why was God angry with Job’s friends? (v.7)5. What are some obstacles that hinder people from repenting?6. Find one illustration from the Bible for each of your answers above.7. What can you do in your own life to overcome these obstacles?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“There is no Christianity unless there is repentance first. And it is not just, “Well, I am guilty.” It is not just a conviction. It is a conviction plus a desire to turn away from those things.” - Brian Richardson - Apr 8, 2018The Motivation for RepentanceApr 8, 2018The Motivation for RepentanceBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The 180
This week Pastor Deric begins our series The 180 with a sermon entitled “The Motivation for Repentance”
QuestionsRomans 2:1-11Ice Breaker: Who was the best boss you ever had? What made him or her so good?
1. What is the Biblical meaning of repentance?2. What was John the Baptist’s primary message to the people of Israel? Find 3 examples from the gospels to support your answer.3. Why did a message of repentance need to be preached before Jesus was revealed to the people?4. What does it mean in Romans 2:4 for the unrepentant to “presume on the riches of (God’s) kindness”?5. Read Romans 2:9-10. Why is glory (or condemnation) to the Jew first, and then the gentile?6. In what areas of your life do you need to do a “180” and start doing things differently?7. What do you find most challenging about changing your behaviour?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“The heavens will not be filled with those who never made mistakes but with those who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth.” - Dieter Uchtdorf
- Apr 1, 2018Easter at the LACApr 1, 2018Easter at the LACBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Easter
For Easter Sunday at the Living Arts Centre Pastor Deric taught us a powerful Gospel message from John 17:3
QuestionsJohn 17:1-3Ice Breaker: What's the worst tasting food you have ever had?1. What does “knowing God” mean (v.3)? How does knowing God give eternal life?2. In verse 1 Jesus prays for the Father to glorify him, so he could glorify the Father. How was Jesus glorified?3. Read John 17:26. What did Jesus mean when he said he would continue to make God’s name known? What is the fruit of knowing God’s name?4. How would you describe “the good life”? How do you think Jesus would describe “the good life”, and how might it differ from your own ideas?5. In verse 20 Jesus said that his prayers weren't only for the disciples who were with him, but for all believers. How does this change the way you think about everything he asked for?6. What changes do you need to make so that you can experience the fullness of life that is in Jesus?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are thy healings, His agonies thy repose, His conflicts thy conquests, His groans thy songs, His pains thine ease, His shame thy glory, His death thy life, His sufferings thy salvation." - Matthew Henry
- Mar 30, 2018What Makes Good Friday Good?Mar 30, 2018What Makes Good Friday Good?By: Dr. David BarkerSeries: Guest speaker
Our guest speaker for Good Friday is Dr. David Barker of Heritage Seminary. His message is from Mark 15:21-41 entitled "What Makes Good Friday Good?"
- Mar 25, 2018GolgothaMar 25, 2018GolgothaBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Remembering The Cross
This week Pastor Deric concludes our series Remembering the Cross with a sermon entitled “Golgotha”
Questions
Matthew 27:24-66Ice Breaker: If you could have a worldwide reputation for something, in what area would you like that to be? Why?
1. Why was Jesus offered wine mixed with gall before the crucifixion, and why did he refuse it? (vv.33-34)2. Find five prophecies from Psalm 22 that are fulfilled in Matthew 27:24-66.3. What was the significance of the veil in the temple being ripped in two? (v.51)4. Why did Pilate bother to comply with the Pharisees request to place a guard at the tomb? (vv.62-66)5. In verse 32 Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha. What would you have been thinking if you were the one to carry the cross of the Christ?6. What do you think Golgotha (“Place of a Skull”) looked like? What would it have been like to stand in that place?7. Read Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 5:25 and John 10:17-18. Seeing that Jesus delivered himself up for our salvation, in what ways can you also offer up your life for him?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"If we want proof of God’s love for us, then we must look first at the Cross where God offered up His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Calvary is the one objective, absolute, irrefutable proof of God’s love for us." - Jerry Bridges
- Mar 18, 2018The Arrest, Trial & Sentencing of JesusMar 18, 2018The Arrest, Trial & Sentencing of JesusBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Remembering The Cross
This week Pastor Deric begins our series Remembering the Cross with a sermon entitled “The Arrest, Trial & Sentencing of Jesus”
QuestionsMatthew 26-27Ice Breaker: What was the first full time job you ever had?1. Read Luke 23:13-16. After Pilate stated he found no guilt in Jesus, why did he still have him scourged?2. During his trial Jesus remained silent before his accusers (Matthew 27:11-14) - find the Old Testament prophecy this fulfilled. Why do you think he didn’t answer?3. In Matthew 26:56 Jesus noted that “all this has taken place that the Scriptures… might be fulfilled”, showing how God is sovereign and in complete control. Find one additional verse from each of the gospels that illustrates this.4. How does the sovereignty of God illustrated above give you comfort and encouragement?5. In Peter 2:19-24 he points to the submission and sufferings of Christ as an example for us to follow when suffering unjustly. What challenges do you face when you experience injustice and what can you to do overcome them?6. Read Matthew 26:51-54. How are you like Peter when you’re tempted to fight spiritual battles by natural means? What can you do to fulfill Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:12-13?7. In this same passage we also see that Jesus avoids the temptation to use his own power and authority and submits to the Father’s will instead (see vv. 53-54). How can we avoid the temptation to deviate from God’s will when we are enabled to do something differently?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"The Christian community is a community of the cross, for it has been brought into being by the cross, and the focus of its worship is the Lamb once slain, now glorified." - John Stott - Mar 11, 2018How Far Will You Go with Jesus?Mar 11, 2018How Far Will You Go with Jesus?By: Deric BartlettSeries: Remembering The Cross
This week Pastor Deric begins our series Remembering the Cross with a sermon entitled “How Far Will You Go with Jesus?"
Questions
Matthew 26:36-46
Ice Breaker: What was the first full time job you ever had?1. What is the meaning of “Gethsemane”, and where was the garden located?2. What does Jesus mean in Matthew 26:41 when he says, "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak"?3. What did Jesus say the disciples were to do to overcome temptation?4. List 3 principles of prayer you can learn from Jesus’ prayers in Gethsemane.5. What can help you to become more consistent in being watchful in prayer?6. In Matthew 26:39 Jesus prays “nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will”. In what areas of your life do you need to surrender like this in obedience to God?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“The Bible is the story of two gardens: Eden and Gethsemane. In the first, Adam took a fall. In the second, Jesus took a stand. In the first, God sought Adam. In the second, Jesus sought God. In Eden, Satan led Adam to a tree that led to his death. From Gethsemane, Jesus went to a tree that led to our life.” - Max Lucado - Mar 4, 2018The Table of The KingMar 4, 2018The Table of The KingBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Remembering The Cross
This week Pastor Deric begins our series Remembering the Cross with a sermon entitled “The Table of The King”
QuestionsMatthew 26:17-30Ice Breaker: What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Why?1. What was the significance of the Passover meal at the time of Jesus?2. Find the reference in Paul’s epistles that states that Jesus is our Passover lamb. In what way was the sacrifice of the Passover lamb a foreshadow of Christ’s own sacrifice?3. Find three other scriptures from the New Testament that show Jesus is the Lamb of God.4. Read Matthew 26:26-28. What does consuming the symbols of the Lord’s supper mean to a believer?5. Read John 13:1-17. What was the significance of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet, and why do that on this occasion?6. What can you do to better model the love and servitude that Christ exemplified?7. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"Love was compressed for all history in that lonely figure on the cross, who said that he could call down angels at any moment on a rescue mission but chose not to – because of us." - Philip Yancey
- Feb 25, 2018Sinning Against a ChildFeb 25, 2018Sinning Against a ChildBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Our Family Portrait
This week Pastor Deric concludes our series Our Family Portrait with a sermon entitled “Sinning Against a Child”
Questions
Genesis 42:22-24Ice Breaker: If you had one minute to speak to the entire nation on national television, what would you like to say?1. The Bible often states the negative results of failing to discipline your children. Find three scriptures from Proverbs that exemplify this.2. God’s discipline in our lives is a mark of his love for us and acceptance as his children. Find one verse from both the Old and New Testament that illustrate this.3. What does Paul mean when he says to not provoke your children? (see Col. 3:21 and Eph. 6:4) How can you make sure you’re not discouraging your own kids?4. In 2 Corinthians 12:14-15 Paul notes the obligation of a parent to provide for their children. In what way is he applying this in his relationship to the Corinthian church?5. Even if you don’t have children, what lessons have you learned about loving and nurturing people in your other relationships?6. What things do you need to change to become a better example for your children?7. What is something you can do differently to better raise your child?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." - Billy Graham
- Feb 18, 2018Wives Respect Your HusbandFeb 18, 2018Wives Respect Your HusbandBy: Deric BartlettSeries: Our Family Portrait
This week Pastor Deric continues our series Our Family Portrait with a sermon entitled “Wives Respect Your Husband”
QuestionsEphesians 5:33bIce Breaker: One fact about me that might surprise you is...1. Read Ephesians 5:22-24 and 1 Corinthians 11:3. Is the structure of marriage dictated by culture or God?2. The Greek word used in v.33 is phobe? (from which we derive our modern term phobia), which is often translated “fear”. Is Paul suggesting that wives should actually be afraid of their husbands?3. Peter cites the example of Sarah as an example of a godly wife (1 Peter 3:1-6). Find the reference in the Old Testament and explain why Sarah’s conduct was commendable.4. In 1 Peter 3:3-4 he points out that the beauty and adornment of a woman should not be outward but inward. Find another allusion like this in the Bible.5. Read Proverbs 31:10-31. How would you sum up the description of a godly woman in one sentence?6. What does it mean to you to respect someone? How do your actions change towards someone you respect?7. What things do you need to start doing differently to better honour your spouse?8. What did you find helpful or challenging about the message?“A strong marriage isn’t magically created when you say, “I do”… It’s built on a lifetime of “I do’s”: I DO love you, I DO cherish you, and I DO choose you.” - Anonymous
